HC Deb 31 May 1933 vol 278 cc1878-9
45. Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the recommendation of the Private Members' Economy Committee that a committee should be appointed to examine forthwith the question of imperial defence as a whole, and in particular the relations of the three Fighting Services to each other; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. BALDWIN

I have considered the recommendation of the Private Members' Committee to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of such a Committee as hon. Members had in mind. The general questions which it was contemplated should be referred to the Committee are constantly under inquiry by the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR - CLIVE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that such an inquiry would very likely reveal a certain amount of overlapping and duplication of the work of the Services, and that such an inquiry might lead to increased economy as well as increased efficiency?

Mr. BALDWIN

No. I should not feel certain of that.